New synths & software

e-phonic

Invader 2

With Invader 2, users can expect an eight-note polyphonic synth with a classic structure. This plugin focuses on the essentials, yet is flexible enough to create a wide analog sound palette, from monophonic Basses to Leads and Arpeggios and Sequences to Pads and Effects sounds.

The oscillators offer up the classic waveforms plus Sync Modes, supplemented by a Sub Oscillator and a Noise Generator, as well as a Unisono Stereo mode with up to eight voices for particularly fat sounds. By means of Pulse Width and Ring Modulation, floating and metallic sounds are also possible. With the filter, you can switch between two low-pass and one band-pass type, with the first mode integrating an additional high-pass filter. With high resonance values and the filter saturation, more aggressive sounds can be achieved. The modulation components are recruited from two LFOs and two envelopes. Also perfectly fitting into the overall musical picture are the the Delay/Phaser effect, as well as the Arpeggiator; a great playing aid with the option to record 16 sequencer steps. Many of the 200 inspiring presets evoke pleasant memories of hit songs.

Verdict

Invader 2 provides impressive proof that a good synthesizer doesn‘t have to be complex to inspire you in the long run. Thanks to the well thought-out GUI, you can very quickly create all imaginable classic analog sounds - and have a lot of fun tweaking them. With its musical, rather good-natured sound, this plug-in is reminiscent of the Oberheim SEM. Sonically, this synthesizer, with its bargain price, can definitely compete with much more expensive plug-ins.

Developer: E-Phonic

Web: www.e-phonic.com

Price: Pay what you want, From 5 Euro Format: VST3, AU

SKnote

MMG1

Inspired by one of the greatest synthesizer legends ever, the Moog Minimoog, SKnote set to work creating the MMG1 emulation. Even though there are already various replicas, this plug-in wants to impress with a polyphonic playing style. Furthermore, you can switch between several mono modes, as well as a re-trigger and legato mode.

The most characteristic feature of the Minimoog is, undoubtedly, the low-pass filter. Alternatively, the signal can also be processed via highpass filter, which is very practical - especially for polyphonic sounds. The sound generation is based on three multi-wave oscillators plus brown and white noise. If you use the third oscillator as a modulator, you can also coax the synthesizer into oscillator and filter FM as well. More than 150 presets are included for quick sound inspiration. The basses sound timeless, their character ranging from crisp to smacking to resonant. The gently rising pads and the floating leads are reminiscent of the 80s. From the sound effects, you can expect short zaps and noise sounds. Unfortunately, the CPU load turns out relatively high.

Verdict

MMG1 is a clearly designed Moog clone that surpasses the original with its eight-voice polyphony, even if it doesn‘t quite reach the hardware role model in terms of sound. The pool of presets is oriented towards classic analog sounds, so you shouldn‘t expect overly broad modern Dubstep, Techno or EDM sounds. For current Retro Disco and Vintage productions, however, some very nice sounds can be achieved.

Developer: SKnote

Web: www.sknoteaudio.com Price: $39 US Dollars Format: VST, AAX, AU

Mach5ive

Synthesizer Secrets

Sound designers who have always wanted to know how top stars carve their instantly recognizable hit sounds can read about it in Mach5ive‘s reference book, Ultimate Artists Synthesizer Secrets [1].

In it, author Oliver von Wieding describes, in parameter detail, how to recreate the sounds of artists ranging from Depeche Mode to Lady Gaga to Martin Garrix. Native Instruments Massive X is always used as the sound generator; however, it could have been a bit more universal.

The book is peppered with interviews with Steve Porcaro (Toto) and Jim Gilmour (Saga), among others. Sound designer Matt Johnson, for example, describes how he created Jamiroquai‘s signature sounds. Stuart Croxford Neale talks about the sound design of the pads from Kajagoogoos „Too shy“on the Roland Jupiter 8. From Martin Garrix, the typical lead sound is patched together from three oscillators and a low-pass filter and spiced up with modulators and reverb. It is advisable that you buy the preset pack „Ultimate Artist Collection 1“as a reference comparison. By using the electronic voucher that comes with the book, you can buy the optional sound pack with all described presets for half price (instead of 24 Euro regular).

Verdict

Through the, for the most part, very authentic reproductions of distinctive sounds, one becomes aware in an amazing way again and again that the producers and artists of world hits also only boiled with water. The book is written in an understandable way and can be recommended to all sound designers who work with Massive X and want to learn more about the hit sounds of famous artists.

Author: Oliver von Wieding

Web: www.mach5ive.de

Price: 36 Euro

Format: Print (Softcover), Language: English